Plank, Ashley A

Hello, I am Ashley Plank (Topp). I primarily teach Honors and Regular 9th grade English. I have been teaching at BHS since December of 2013. I am one of the Co-Advisors for Bengal Pride, a student organization that plans and executes Freshmen Orientation and organizes social and academic events for freshmen. I also am a part of The Dignity Revolution programming that we use with our 9th grade students that aims to empower students to "stand up for the dignity of every person." One of my truest passions in life is to help people see their true value and encourage and enable people to live their best lives.

I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in English/Speech Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2008. In the Spring of 2016, I graduated from Concordia University in St. Paul with my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I also obtained my Reading Instructional License and am excited to be teaching in the Reading department along with English. It is my hope and passion to work more closely with struggling readers and writers.

Outside of the classroom, I can be found relaxing with a good book or binging a new tv show, rooting on my favorite sports teams, immersed in the music and theater culture in the Twin Cities, and enjoying the four-season fun that Minnesota has to offer, all of which I often do with my husband, Matt. I enjoy music, baking (and am learning to love cooking), and enjoying girly things with my mom and two sisters. I believe that a good attitude, peanut butter m&ms, and puppies can brighten any cloudy day.

I love learning and seeing the spark when someone learns something new. I describe myself as a life-long learner and always strive to be better than the day before. I often say, "if I am good at anything, it is school". I just love learning and growing. And I get to do that every day with my students. It is my hope to teach and inspire others the way my 9th grade English teacher, Mrs. Tutt, did for me.